Crime and punishment in Ethiopia: A country profile

• Published in: International journal of comparative and applied criminal justice 2011-05, Vol.35 (2), p.167-181
• Main Authors: Blackburn, Ashley G., Matthews, Meredith
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Africa; Constitutional law; country profile; Criminal investigations; Ethiopia; Famine; Human rights; Minors; Traffic police; Trials
• ISSN: 0192-4036; 2157-6475
• DOI: 10.1080/01924036.2011.561968

Ethiopia is a country with a long and tumultuous history. Centuries of political instability, civil unrest, and poverty have left their mark on the African nation. Over the past two decades the new Ethiopian government has propelled the nation in a progressive direction. While problems continue to plague the Ethiopian people, particularly political unrest, Ethiopia has made improvements related to law and justice well beyond most other African countries. This article profiles the country of Ethiopia and the components of its justice system. The ways in which different crimes and punishments are defined are discussed and each component of the justice system is described in both a historical and current context. As the reader will see, Ethiopia has taken great strides to conform to international standards. Although there is still improvement to be had, Ethiopia has certainly advanced itself as a country with much potential.